Trip on a Tankful

Trip on a Tankful:
Walla Walla, WA
performs a diverse and entertaining
schedule that includes a mix of classical
concerts, special concerts. www.
wwsymphony.com.
Shakespeare Walla Walla
Shakespeare Walla Walla performs
professional Shakespearian theatre and
youth theatre education to Walla Walla
Valley residents and visitors. In partnership
with Seattle Shakespeare Company,
Shakespeare Walla Walla brings year-round,
approachable and entertaining productions
to the Power House Theatre:
www.shakespeareuncorked.com.
by Blythe Thimsen
Walla Walla’s
history spans a variety of agricultural, economical and
cultural growth, culminating with today’s Walla Walla
– an economic driver for southeast Washington, a home to more than 30,000 residents, and a
popular wine region and tourist destination.
Wineries in Walla Walla account for more than $100 million in revenue to the region each
year.
When it comes to culture and sophistication, there’s much more to Walla Walla than meets
the eye. While the wine industry might carry an air of sophistication, the region’s other
cultural assets cannot be overlooked.
Power House Theatre
The Power House Theatre is a 342-seat performing arts theatre located in a historic, 120
year-old building once housed the Walla Walla Gas Plant, originally built to produce coal gas
and pipe it underground to light the streets, businesses and homes of Walla Walla. In 2011,
the building was transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts theater inspired by the
intimate Blackfriars Theatre in London,
England, which William Shakespeare and
his acting company began using in 1608.
In January 2012 the theatre was officially
accepted to the National Register of
Historic Places. www.phtww.com.
Walla Walla Symphony
Founded in 1907, the Walla Walla
Symphony is the oldest continuously
operating symphony west of the
Mississippi River. Under the direction of
Music Director and Conductor Yaacov
Bergmann, the orchestra is recognized
for its adventurous programming, school
programs and tradition of performing
original compositions. From October
through June, the Walla Walla Symphony
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The Marcus Whitman Hotel
Having a great place to visit is one thing,
but having a great hotel at which to stay
is another. The Marcus Whitman Hotel
is the gem of Walla Walla. This historic
hotel offers not just an elegant place to rest
your head, but a history to go along with
it. According to the hotel’s history, the
idea for the hotel first came about in 1927,
through the efforts of local businessmen,
proud citizens and a community that raised
more than $150,000 in 90 days, toward the
building of the hotel.
As with many hotels, it went through
a period of decline in the 1970s. In 1999,
the hotel was purchased, and a restoration
began, which culminated in a reopening in
the spring of 2001. Since then, The Marcus
Whitman has a beacon of luxury, drawing
people from all over the state, the country
and the world, for a chance to enjoy the
luxury and elegance of a hotel with history.
While the historic aspect shines brightly,
don’t think that The Marcus Whitman
is lost in the past; it is moving forward
with enthusiasm and vigor. Named by the
Washington State Wine Commission as
“2015 Hotel of the Year,” the hotel is also
home to The Marc Restaurant, which
was named the “2014 Restaurant of the
Year” also by the Washington State Wine
Commission.
With 133 beautiful guest rooms, and six
on-site wine tasting rooms located off the
hotel’s grand lobby, the list of reasons to
stay is ever-growing.
www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com
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